Four defendants were charged last week in a count indictment alleging they were part of a humantrafficking conspiracy involving a year-old Essex County girl, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A.
Murray announced. The defendants, all of whom face conspiracy charges including promoting prostitution and money laundering, were identified as: Patricia Munoz, 23, of Jersey City; Charles P. Torres, 59, of North Bergen; his son, Charles B.
Assistant Prosecutor Kelly Sandler, who is handling the case, said Munoz met the teenager at a party last May. Munoz allegedly befriended the girl and introduced her to Charles P. Through manipulation and coercion, the victim reportedly began working for him as a prostitute and was required to turn the money she was paid over to him. Sandler said Charles P. Torres advertised the victim with contacts he already had over the telephone, via text message and online, where he posted ads to sell her body for sex.
Charles P. Torres allegedly took photos of the victim in various states of undress and performing sexual acts. These pictures were kept on his cell phone, camera and computer and were distributed via text and posted in the online ads, Sandler said.
Additionally, he is charged with sexually assaulting the victim on at least two different occasions in his home in North Bergen. Torres was arrested Aug. He allegedly continued to collect money from men who had previously had sex with the year-old and at least one other prostitute, an adult.
